AN: Oh my, it's been awhile… For a lot of my fics. But school is done for now- I have about a month before classes start up- so hopefully in that time I can crank out some chapters for my neglected fictions! Apologies for the wait- this is a long chapter which hopefully might compensate if only a little. And… well next chapter will have more of a feeling of revelation and development than this admittedly. Still, hope you enjoy this!
Thanks for the encouragement via follows, favs, or reviews!
Just a note- Ichigo is an odd mix of cocky and easily embarrassed this chapter- I chalk it up to his seeming attraction to another man.
Seducing Setesh
Chapter 5
In the empty courtyard beyond the Eastern Wing adjoining the temple, she wielded two blades.
The rising sun struck the curved sickle, its edge a sharp golden gleam. Her straight sword bore the same glow, the worked metal polished to perfection. They were enviable weapons, their hilts inlaid with ivory and lovingly carved with the images of Sekhmet, the lion-headed goddess. Still, as beautiful as the pieces were they were in no way merely ornamental.
She moved from stance to stance with a fluidity that was comparable to that of the eastern masters who praised grace and the purity of body and mind even in the midst of battle. No doubt she had trained with such a sage. But the blades were clearly of native design, the sickle especially was revered and could be seen in the hands of kings on the sprawling walls of palace and temple alike. With ease did she switch techniques, slashing with both and advancing with speed and precision.
On campaign he had seen a myriad of different fighting styles and she seemed to weave several into her routine. He could see the influence of the East, the swift and brutal attacks favored by the northern tribes, and even noted a bit of the Seireiteian discipline.
Nostalgia surrounded him, made his heart stutter and then pound with a rush of blood that sounded loudly in his ears.
Drilling with her in the practice rooms of the Kuchiki villa came vividly to his mind.
And then another scene flashed to life. It came moment by moment- the most intense spar with his commander. But it was the words afterward that were caged in his mind- that rushed him at random moments.
"I believe you are capable… Capable enough to take on a task that is of great import to me… Renji. You must protect, Rukia. With her hand I would entrust to you her well-being and happiness. Nothing must come between you."
His blood had run bright and red then. The Domino's grey eyes as impenetrable as the stone walls of a fortress. Spilling his blood the Domino had made him swear. A bargain between men- an understanding… One that went unfulfilled.
Renji swallowed the lump in his throat.
She was still unquestionably lovely.
In the Egyptian sunlight she looked like a goddess.
His heart burned. His foot slid forward, but he paused.
The Domino's orders could not be ignored:
'You will refrain from seeking out my sister, Abarai. If you should happen to cross paths you have no knowledge of her. She must remain the faceless servant to the queen.'
He drew in a deep breath to still the frustration welling in him and felt his spine crack; he hadn't realized how tense he was.
Again he shook his head, if only to clear his vision that seemed to haze as the sun grew brighter.
"Oi!" A familiar voice rang out behind him, "What the hell? Slacking off already?"
A grimace immediately pulled at the lieutenant's mouth and he swung around to face the intruder. He scoffed, resting his hand casually on the hilt of his sword, "Who could possibly find time to slack? Other than you- of course- considering the Emperor doesn't trust you as much as he does me."
Ichigo rolled his eyes as he strolled to a halt and crossed his arms over his breastplate-clad chest. With a smirk he returned, "You really have no idea how our government is structured, do you? We live in a Republic, Renji- there can be no emperor."
Renji's smirk was almost feral as he eyed the younger man, "You're in the wrong game if you believe that, Kid. Our commander isn't playing for peanuts, ya know…"
Ichigo met the lieutenant's smirk with one of his own, "I never forget the endgame- but you should take care with the words you say. Not everyone believes in our commander's discreetly righteous vision… In any case he's lookin' for you… You have a good excuse to be out here?"
The red-head felt his muscles stiffen as his comrade began to scan the courtyard in curiosity.
"I don't need a fuckin excuse," He spat as though offended, stepping forward. As he had hoped Ichigo looked sufficiently surprised, turning his gaze back to Renji.
A scowl reminiscent of days passed formed on the younger man's face, "You didn't get enough sleep, apparently."
Renji let loose a sigh and started forward, ushering the other man in the direction of the main hall with a hand on his shoulder. "True. But that ain't an excuse I'm gonna feed to the Domino." He muttered.
A huff of laughter passed Ichigo's lips as Renji released him and they began to pace in the shaded hall. He didn't notice the red-head give a furtive glance back.
The courtyard behind them was empty. Relief and disappointment collided in Renji Abarai's chest.
She would've been the prettiest bride… But she was always too good for me- I knew- and Fate decided…
…
After parting ways with his fellow lieutenant Ichigo began a circuit of the palace. At each main gateway he made inquiries of the guards; any disturbance or suspicious activity was to be reported right away regardless, but the lieutenant was overly cautious. As he wandered away from the main halls he found himself on a path that would eventually lead to the portion of the palace that the queen had secretly been installed in.
For a moment he wondered at his motivation, but he soon shook his head, his mind shifting to his obligatory duties.
…
She was agitated- nervous if truth be told. Sweat still glittered on her skin, sticky beneath the tunic shirt and kilt. But it wasn't the aftermath of practicing her swordplay that caused her the greatest discomfort. A stone sat in her belly- all to do with the missive in her hands.
Her fingers clawed into the airy white fabric over her thighs, crushing the rolled parchment still fisted in her left hand.
He put off our meeting and now… I can't believe he wants us to put on some- spectacle! We're safe enough in these parts of the palace- though there's always a risk… A helpless shudder delayed her frustrated train of thought for a moment.
The queen had been struck down in this very palace- right before her eyes. Safety was an illusion. It had shattered the moment the woman who had warmly welcomed her fell in a pool of blood at her feet.
Rukia closed her eyes, drew in a labored breath to ease the tight throb in her chest. Biting into her lip she shoved all feeling, but irritation aside.
"It's not safe," She muttered lowly to herself, now glaring at the palm shaded marble at her feet, "He wants us to show some unified front with Ptolemy and his traitorous sycophants only rooms away?" As she gave a huff she turned on her perch to look over her shoulder. She was very tempted to toss the scroll into the still waters of the reflecting pool, but knew better than to leave evidence of the communication.
She sighed, eyes tracing the floating lotuses as she contemplated her options. But reason was clashing so fiercely with anger that she found herself jumping to her feet. She snatched her cloak from the stone edge and with a whirl set it about her shoulders. She'd drawn her hair back tightly from her face which was now smudged with courtyard dust and sweat. With the back of her hand she hastily brushed at her cheek, but was soon striding out of the courtyard, any thought to her rough appearance forgotten.
I'll tell him in no uncertain terms that we will not parade around for the sake of his legionaries. They will fight for him regardless- he knows this! No- I will not allow Sanura nor myself to be put on display. The sound of her voice snarling between her ears was a distraction and thus when she rounded a corner her eyes did not even process the man heading her way.
When she nearly fell, bodies knocking into one another- his side grazing her shoulder she let out a girlish gasp as she stumbled.
While Ichigo had barely felt the small figure collide with him, preoccupied himself, he swung around instantly to begin barking, "Oi- didn't you see me- I even tried to make room! What the hell you doin' stomping around here? Where's your post sold-,"
The cloaked figure's back was to him as they tried to recover from the brush, but when they finally stood upright to cast a scowl over their shoulder the lieutenant's tirade broke off.
Ichigo stared- stared as he had after their first impromptu meeting. Finally he let his hand slide from the hilt of his sword as he said, "Oi… You have a habit of marching around the halls and barreling into people?"
But the violet and navy eyes just narrowed further before the soldier yanked the hood of their cloak up over their head and faced forward.
"What the…" Ichigo growled at the clear insult, hands fisting as he watched the other hurry away again. But after only a moment's debate did he use his longer legs to catch up and fall into step. With a smirk growing on his face, he looked down at the small person, who had only shot him an agitated glance before haughtily staring straight again.
"Tch…" The lieutenant scoffed, but his smirk intensified, eyes glittering, "Ya know- I could just arrest you. I'd be within my rights- especially since I've seen you skulking about twice now and really have no confirmation of your identity."
Rukia stopped in her tracks then, a helpless smile forming when the man had to backpedal. This idiot doesn't recognize me still?!
She warred between continuing in the guise of a soldier unfamiliar with the lieutenant's tongue or offering some communication to keep the man from attempting to use his authority. She gave a soft snort. Authority- if he had any idea who I am would he dare? She glanced out of the corner of her eye to see that he was considering her with a suspicious, yet amused gaze now. She rolled her eyes. Oh, he would.
Just as the young man began to tap his booted foot in a gesture of impatience (more likely to goad the individual he waited on more than anything), Rukia turned to face him. Her hood hung low, shadowing her face.
To keep up the charade she pitched her voice lower and used the local natives' accent when forming her Greek words.
"You are… lieu-tenant- yes?" She kept her head ducked slightly, but could still see his facial expressions.
Ichigo blinked, admittedly surprised by the stranger's use of Greek. It took him a moment to translate before he was able to manage a smooth reply.
"Yes. Kurosaki Ichigo, General of the Thirteenth Legion, second Lieutenant to Domino Kuchiki, Imperator." He said in unaccented Greek. His brown eyes were very still now, very serious.
She considered him silently, her tongue tracing her lip thoughtfully. Her hesitation had only lasted a moment however and she bowed deeply, smiling at the ground before she rose, her face a perfect soldier's mask.
"I am guard to her majesty. I know the palace well. Her majesty knows dangers- I look for these dangers." She finally said, all the while gauging his reaction.
"Ah," He nodded, "I see… Well- I didn't mean to impede you but…" His gaze turned shrewd, a ginger colored brow lifting, "Is the Imperator aware that her majesty has sent out her own men to sweep the palace?"
The young woman-disguised, bristled, nearly snapping back in her normal tone, before cautioning herself. With what she considered an acceptable amount of indignation she lifted her chin and returned, "You follow Imperator. Her highness is my concern- my commander." Conviction rang in her voice. For the moment, forgetting her true representation was for the best. Loyalties did not die as easily as bodies.
She didn't realize that the angle of her head now allowed a sliver of the sun's light to highlight her features from where they stood on one of the outside walks skirting an atrium. Ichigo's eyes widened slightly, once more struck by how attractive this young guard was- pretty almost.
He cleared his throat and scowled, furrowing his brows, "Just what is your name?"
"Sheth." She replied without thorough thought. Immediately she cursed herself. It could be a curse. Sheth- or Seth was not a lucky name to have- the natives would think it wicked like the god whose wrath none wished to incur.
Ichigo cocked his head in interest, "You're Jewish?"
"Part. My mother is of the Two Lands." She again did not pause, but this time felt more solid in the lie. A silent sigh of relief passed her lips. If she thought as a quarter of her people the name she'd chosen was not so doomed- in fact in the Hebrew tongue it would mean "appointed". Yes, appointed sounded about right considering her situation. I certainly do have an appointment other than ward now. Her lips twitched, threatening to twist wryly. Plus Hebrew- it's almost appropriate… It had been rumored that the Kuchiki siblings did not share the same mother…
"Ah, yes, I guess that would explain why you look so…ugh…" Ichigo scratched at the back of his neck as he noticed the narrowing of the exotic eyes that were zeroed in on him. He looked aside, color helplessly springing to his cheeks as he continued to rub at the invisible itch. He found his eyes on the sandaled feet of the foreigner. He frowned. Was that- henna?
The guard shifted and Ichigo naturally scanned upward, jolting a little when he realized that the other man was wearing a white kilt that was standard for many of the native Egyptian men. He bit his tongue as he realized he was gawking at another man's thighs.
He was forced to clear his throat again, the moist, yet hot air certainly contributing to his suddenly dry mouth.
"Well… Sheth..." He paused as though lingering over the name before he offered a crooked smile, "As I said- I'm Ichigo. And while I'd like to take your word for it- I think it best if I escort you back to the queen's chambers while I confer with my commander."
Rukia didn't attempt to mask the sound of annoyance that passed her lips- a hiss mingled with a muttered expletive. Still she gave a brisk nod- knowing that her instinct to simply kick him and flee was probably ill-advised. She had no doubt that this cocky young man would doggedly chase her down the corridors cursing at her the entire way. Garnering attention was far afield of her intentions.
So as they fell abreast of one another in a pace that suggested they were about business, she did her utmost to curb the feeling of chagrin bubbling within her. It was further stripping her of her reserves of patience when she noticed his casual glances. He seemed so nonchalant- his face unconcerned, yet his eyes betrayed wariness as well as curiosity. It was agitating and made her want to call him out.
"Sheth- right?" The young ginger-haired man had clasped his hands behind his back, affecting a leisurely stride (it was easy enough to keep up with his companion's shorter gait), "How long you worked for her highness?"
The young woman's teeth ground back and forth, but she was spared from commenting when an officer strode between the columns of one the entryways and they came up short to meet him.
"Lieutenant Kurosaki, sir." The man stamped to a halt and saluted his superior. He then offered the lieutenant a scroll with a bow, "From the Domino."
As the scroll was slipped from the man's hands with a murmured 'thanks' from the lieutenant, the man gave Rukia a cursory glance.
Dismissed as being unimportant in the soldier's eyes, Rukia stepped back silently. Engrossed in the message from his commander, Ichigo didn't note the triumphant smirk "Sheth" flashed before he slipped further into the shadows.
With a grunt and a wave, Ichigo signaled the Seireiteian soldier's discharge as he rolled up the scroll with a slightly disdainful look. The soldier gave another bow and salute and turned on his heel, boots clicking quietly on the marble floor as he moved away.
Ichigo sighed as he rolled his shoulders back, his face easing into a mien of simple boredom.
"Eh, looks like the Imperator is gonna hold court so to speak. Guess I'll be seeing you this evening if you'll be accompanying your queen-," Ichigo drawled only to look over his shoulder and pause in his speech. He pivoted, red cloak at his shoulders whirling as he cast around for the small man that had been at his side. Suddenly the parchment crinkled loudly in his hand.
His growl echoed amongst the outer hallways columns, "Damnit!"
Eyeing the corridor before she eased through a narrow alcove, fitted with a secret door into the old guest chambers, Rukia once again felt the nip of anxiety. She slipped through the passage without impediment and stepped into the antechamber off the main room. Heading to the small, but by no means modest, central apartment, she began to chew her lip. In the doorway she stopped, noticing that Sanura was advancing across the way from another hall that led to the bath.
The dark colored Doric chiton, flowed about the woman's ankles and arms, but was plastered on the wet skin of her torso, chest, and thighs, making for a provocative outline. Had Rukia not lived in such close quarters with the pretender-queen she might have been embarrassed. As it was she cleared her throat and the woman's green eyes zeroed in on her as she halted in the opposite entryway.
Sanura swept back the hair that she had been drying with a linen shawl, "You'll want to bathe before those tittering little doves flock and insist on helping you." Green-eyes rolled in clear annoyance as Rukia in turn smiled.
With a sigh the younger woman nodded, "Aa…" She pushed aside her cloak to unbuckle the belt that held her swords, frowning suddenly as she moved to a nearby table, "They haven't gone far- have they? I hate to be paranoid, but…"
Sanura lifted a brow briefly before she smiled in understanding, "They've only been out of my sight for brief periods- not enough time to go tattling to any brat princes… or godless foreigners. The twins are keeping an eye on the only passages those empty-headed pigeons are aware of."
Unoffended by the barb (she was not so insecure now to not know it was not directed at her), the young woman nodded thoughtfully as she laid her belt and blades on the table, "Good."
As Rukia sat down on an ornate, gilded stool to unlace her sandals, Sanura sauntered in, a guarded look on her face.
"You know," She broached carefully, "He wants you to attend as the queen's handmaiden."
The lapis-lazuli eyes snapped up from under black bangs that had fallen forward now without the hindrance of a hood.
"What possible good could that do?" She practically hissed as she dropped a sandal to the carpet.
Seating herself at the vanity that sat against the wall near a narrow window embrasure Sanura replied with a shrug. Her eyes were a deep jade as she waited patiently for the girl to expound.
Sitting up from her bent position, Rukia hastily tugged at the tunic, pulling it from where it had been tucked into the kilt, "He'll find me quite unaccommodating."
With a measured look the other woman inquired evenly, "Would you rather he send someone to fetch you once the feast is underway? I have no doubt he would order his men to drag you out if you were not being reasonably willing…"
A scoff was Rukia's reply as she pushed back strands of her hair from her slick neck, "Of course not! Besides- I plan to accompany you as I am now- well- freshly bathed of course- but I mean as a guard."
It was the servant's turned to scoff as she gave the girl a wry look, "And have them think you are a boorish peasant when they unmask you in the great hall? I caution against it."
A scowl furrowed Rukia's brow before uncertainty tainted the irritated expression, "You think he would do such a thing? Out me in that setting…?"
"I think," Sanura said slowly, "We should be prepared for that eventuality… I've already set out a gown and jewels- nothing too ostentatious- but notably impressive."
For a moment more Rukia looked rebellious, but soon her shoulders slumped and she let out a low moan. She rubbed at her forehead wearily, a plaintive tone to her voice, "He is too unpredictable, Sanura… Calculated in everything- but unpredictable nonetheless!" Her voice fell to a whisper, "How will I keep the upper hand?"
For a breath, the other woman didn't respond, but when she opened her mouth a sound caught the women's attention and both zeroed in on the doorway to the antechamber.
Black paws padded silently across the marble, before the sleek cat stopped on the rug a few steps from where Rukia sat.
"Lady Yoruichi!"
The cat seemed to smirk a bit before she lifted a paw in a prompting gesture. Rukia slid from the stool to her knees, sitting back on her calves. Without pause the messenger jumped into the woman's lap, settling into the arms that gingerly went about her. After blinking in surprise at her furry armful Rukia smiled.
"What are you doing here, my lady?" She asked reverently stroking the triangular ears.
Sanura answered, "She comes bearing gifts."
Rukia looked up just as a man robed in rough brown homespun garments swaggered in without precedent. At first the woman stiffened, hand slipping unobtrusively beneath her kilt to where a small dagger was strapped to her thigh. But the precaution was unnecessary. The man's grin, unimpeded by the dark scruff lining his jaw and dusting his cheeks and upper lip, was instantly familiar and a balm to any fear.
"Isshin!" Rukia gasped in recognition, teeth flashing in a pleased smile.
"Your highness," The man bowed deeply. As he rose he gave the other woman an appreciative once-over, "Lady Priestess."
With a knowing smirk Sanura bobbed her head, "Physician." She glanced at her charge, gave a fluid half bow and glided away without a sound. She was met almost immediately by one of the twins, hand at his short sword. Holding up her hands she halted him in his march, "It is her personal healer- there's no need for you to charge in."
The rich brown eyes that looked down at her unclouded, the tension in the man's well-shaped jaw easing. The Nubian mercenary gave a nod, the single dark braid at the nap of his neck slipping back over his shoulder to swing like a thick tail. The priestess smiled as the man's eyes slid back toward the doorway.
"Give them some time, hmm? Then you can make your greetings. Inform your brother." She tossed her chin, indicating down the hall to the entrance where the man's sibling held his post. As the man gave a grunt in acquiescence and turned away she cast one more look toward the room she'd left.
Yoruichi graciously abdicated from the woman's lap. She sat back on her haunches as Rukia rose, content to watch as Isshin stepped forward to grasp the small hands that reached out to him.
The physician squeezed the slender hands, looking down at the girl fondly as she beamed up at him. In her eyes he saw relief and excitement amidst clear concern.
"I was worried… When we lost contact at first- I thought… We shouldn't have left you behind," Her smile had fallen, a shadow of past and present grief washing over her features for a moment. She shook her head her gaze dropping, "It was too dangerous."
His hands were calloused, years of one profession or another a story of scars marring fingers and palm. Still his touch was gentle. One hand cupped her chin while the other shook at her hand in light chastisement, "No, no, your highness! I know this city like I know the instruments of my trade! You needed someone here and I was that someone… Now here I am, my lovely queen, and you offer me sad eyes instead of a hearty welcome and words of praise?" The man puckered out his bottom lip a gesture that on any other might seem repugnant, but somehow looked endearing on the older man.
A flush began to creep into the girl's cheeks; she was embarrassed by how apparent her emotions had been. Even so, this man had known her a long time, had she faced him with hidden sentiments he would have deciphered her mood regardless.
Finally she offered an apologetic smile, "Forgive me, Isshin, I am immensely grateful for the risk you took in remaining in Alexandria. Your intel was essential for us." She lifted her chin and he let his hand drop to his side as he puffed up with pride at her words.
"Naturally!" He boomed, striking a pose with his hands on his hips. Rukia chuckled helplessly and the man gave a laugh that resounded merrily.
After another brief smile, Rukia swung around on her heel, her expression becoming somewhat solemn as she sought out a chair. She gestured to one of the low lounges in the center of the room.
Isshin stepped further into the room, then settled on the offered couch with a heavy sigh. With a slow inhale, his nose and mouth filled with the familiar fragrance of incense and the lilies the young woman favored gathered in vases about the room. It was reassuring to be enveloped in this scent- reassuring to feel this girl's steady aura about him after too many months apart. An old ache thrummed in his chest as he stared into memory.
When she appeared before him, a cup fashioned of pure ivory in her hands, the memories overlapped. His dark-haired girl…
Hastily he pushed away the haze to focus on what was before him. He realized looking up at her that her hair had been cut shorter and that her face had thinned. Much too much time in exile. Let's see, beside the weight loss- I see no other outward signs that should concern me at present. Rings about her eyes- but who can sleep with all of this damned upheaval? Later I'll insist on an exam, but for now…
He knew better than to fuss over her. A smile lit his face, shearing away any traces of concern or regret and he gratefully took the cup from her.
"Ah, thank you, your highness," He looked down into the cup of spiced wine before lifting it toward his nose, "It's been too long since I've had a cup from the palace's stores!" She smiled with a nod, watching as he took a mouthful before returning to her seat.
The chair was gilded, its hieroglyphics and scenes painted with a steady hand. It was a replica of the throne and it could have only come from the per'aa's rooms. Isshin felt a smirk pulling at his mouth, wondering who had smuggled the piece of furniture from the chambers now occupied by the all-seeing Domino.
It was likely she had taken the chair unconsciously, but as she straightened her spine and lifted her chin it seemed she was imbued with some unseen power lingering in the painted cedar. Perhaps its previous occupants had all felt the same when fitted into its curved seat. That faint stir of the air reminded him that the gods were always at work. As Yoruichi bounded into the young lady's lap, Isshin couldn't help but think the atmosphere suitable. It was very Egyptian to conduct business with a cat curled up on one's thighs.
Stroking the cat in a thoughtful rhythm Rukia questioned, "What should I know?"
Isshin gave a snort, grimacing as he set the cup on his knee, "Seireitei's presence here is not looked upon favorably, my lady… None appreciate the heavy-handedness. It rankles that the Republic should step in to attempt to dictate the actions of the monarchy."
The young woman looked unsurprised by this, but inhaled slowly before replying, "How much support do we have?"
Using his empty hand to scratch at his jaw the man answered, "The people are unevenly split between the factions… But I think the scale tips in Ptolemy's favor- at least among the lower classes. Those that are more politically aware however see his coup as folly and are especially condemning of Koga's murder… Essentially it's known that Ptolemy and his council have invited this tense atmosphere with the Seireiteians. Many are conscious enough to know that staying on the Republic's good side is for the best- I believe."
"Our numbers would be to our benefit if we were to attempt to forcefully eject the Domino and his men," Rukia mused distantly, "But… It wouldn't be long before Seireitei sent replacements and a full scale war would undoubtedly ensue…"
Silence fell for a time and Isshin nursed his wine, allowing the woman to ruminate in the quiet.
Staring into the dregs he finally spoke quietly, "He knows, doesn't he?"
"He does." She replied evenly.
A small smirk accompanied the glitter in the physician's eye, "Of course… Clever boy…" He likely pegged the priestess as an imposter the moment he laid eyes on her.
"The Merchant Prince… does he offer any advice?" Rukia looked at the man seated to her right.
"He counsels patience, your highness… The Domino will have his own plans and we need have an idea of them before we enact any on our part."
The little dismissive grunt the girl gave made Isshin chuckle.
"I don't like being subject to that man's whim." She defended.
Isshin noted the cat give a single nod in agreement. "You don't believe he'll keep your interests in mind?"
A bitter smile appeared and disappeared on the girl's face, "When has he ever…"
"He will think of the Republic first," Isshin conceded, then added gently, "But I don't think he'll abandon this opportunity to reconcile… Have a little faith." The kind smile and warm eyes of this longtime friend dissipated the rising indignation in the queen-to-be.
Still she looked aside as she questioned, "Aa… Are you staying for the banquet?"
…
After her bath Rukia donned a similar chiton to that that her handmaiden had worn and made her way to the main chambers.
The two maids had helped the older woman dress; by the time Rukia arrived the priestess was clothed in a soft white linen chiton of Doric design and a gossamer cloak, sparkling with gold threads pinned at her shoulders.
"My lady." The maids acknowledged Rukia in unison when they noticed her, bowing deeply. The twin heads of brown hair rose and she gave them a nod before waving them away. After another bow the girls scurried from the room, giggling and whispering; the words "banquet", "dress", and "soldiers" passing their lips several times before they drew out of earshot.
"Well, at least someone is excited about this." Rukia sighed, padding into the room, her feet bare.
"Who says I'm not excited?" Sanura lifted a brow, facing the mirror as Rukia appeared behind her.
Rukia gave a soft snort gathering Sanura's thick hair and reaching for pins, "Yes, I'm sure you're ecstatic about being in a room with the Republic's dogs."
A slow somewhat devious smile spread on the maid's face as she carefully applied the cosmetics spread on the vanity before her, "Why, of course."
After offering a brief smirk, Rukia's concentration fell to the task at hand, carefully twisting and pinning the woman's hair so that a wig might fit smoothly over it.
The two worked in silence. Often had they done this, helping one another dress and make themselves up, heedless of their differences in station. Both in the palace and in exile in the desert they had relied on one another in this way among others. Gaining allies in exile meant playing their parts in the face of potential supporters, displaying wealth, confidence, and some measure of control. When the gowns were folded away, the jewels stowed and they retreated to their tent, the uncertainty emerged and they only had one another to draw strength from.
…
Standing from her stooped position Sanura eyed herself in the full length of bronze before her. The cobra goddess, Wadjet, on her brow gleamed, a threat in her ruby faceted eyes.
The young woman behind her shifted slightly to the side gazing into the mirror as well.
"It… suits you so well." Rukia murmured, a hint of longing to her quiet tone.
Sanura scoffed, rolling her eyes as she flicked at a stray braid from the wig atop her head, "Only because I possess a peasant's arrogance."
Rukia gave her a dubious look.
Sanura smiled, "We know well that we are a people of divine ancestry- of ingenuity and endurance. Never mind that a degree of my blood is that of kings- it's the fellahin in me that makes me lift my head high."
"I'm sure being at the right hand of the queen and being a renowned priestess has nothing to do with it…" Rukia teased with a crooked smile.
Again Sanura's eyes darted heavenward before they came to rest on the other woman with a calculating gaze, "Perhaps…" She turned suddenly, took Rukia's shoulders and steered her toward the vanity. Ignoring Rukia's cry of indignation the woman shoved her down onto the bench. Hands still resting on the noblewoman's shoulders Sanura assured, "I know on whose head this crown belongs."
Rukia took a breath her chest suddenly tight. Her voice was slightly strained, her gaze guarded as she stared ahead at her reflection, "We have much to do before it might rest easily."
Sanura feathered through her mistress' cropped locks with her fingers for a time before she returned with all nonchalance, "Who knows- if Ptolemy has his way you may not have a head." There was silence and then the two women burst into gales of laughter.
Behind opposite pillar supports the two maids exchanged smiles, giggling quietly before tiptoeing back into the shadows.
…
After an hour of being perfumed, primped, and dressed, the young monarch sat at the vanity yet again. The transformation from dirt-smudged soldier to favored handmaiden was not as startling as it had been once.
Rukia could see her companion's smile reflected in the mirror. Running her hands over a wig similar to her own Sanura leaned close over her charge to murmur, "The goddess gave you great beauty, my lady… To sway the hearts of our enemies perhaps…"
The kohl lined eyes widened, to stare at the woman's reflection. Her cheeks rosy, Rukia turned her gaze aside muttering, "Don't say such odd things, Sanura…"
The woman's soft throaty laugh caused Rukia to shudder in its wake. Sanura did not pursue the line of thought, turning away to scoop up Yoruichi from the throne-like chair. Rukia turned to look with suspicion at the woman who now nuzzled at the black cat as though the creature were not the messenger of a goddess. Her unease only increased as she watched the older woman speak in quiet Egyptian to the feline, who purred contentedly, honeyed eyes sharp despite the indulgence. Rukia turned back to the mirror, face riddled with worry as she absently fingered the golden necklet resting on her collarbone.
She knows something… Damnit… Her and that cat are conspiring- I know it! A tart frown replaced the look of anxiety.
"You'll get fur all over your gown you know." Rukia threw over her shoulder.
Both the feline and the woman looked at her with dry expressions. Clicking her tongue dismissively Rukia scowled.
It wasn't just her handmaiden's secretiveness that sat uncomfortably on her conscience, but the feeling that this banquet would be one to remember- a turning point- a battle in itself.
AN: Next chapter: Ichigo almost has an epiphany but finds himself distracted by a face from the past.
The banquet does indeed turn and Rukia has to face both her opposition and the fact that she is now an Egyptian queen.
The siblings are once more at odds as the Domino's calculations set into motion a series of events that will inevitably lead to bloodshed.
Notes:
Wadjet: a goddess who had variations on her representations (from snakes to vultures and possible a lion and mongoose), in the later dynasties including the 18th and the Ptolemaic, she was recognized as the cobra that sat on the brow of kings and offered protection. Her representation was really dependent upon region and she's also been known as Udjo and Buto (also names of regions). Like many goddesses she embodied justice and time, but was ultimately a symbol of defense, a safeguard. The uraeus crown featuring Wadjet is very iconic, the coronet that often accompanied other crowns, or was worn singularly.
Fellahin: an Arabic word that is associated with the peasant/farmer/laborer class